CAPE SAN BLAS, Fla. (CBS12) — Florida’s record-low temperatures last week didn’t just send residents scrambling for warmth — they also left hundreds of sea turtles cold-stunned and in need of rescue.

On Wednesday, marine and wildlife groups carried out their largest turtle release ever along the shores of Cape San Blas.

According to the Florida Panhandle Marine Institute, the dramatic swing in temperatures was one of the most severe cold snaps the state has experienced since 2010. For the area’s sea turtles, the sudden chill proved especially dangerous.

“Turtles are reptiles, which means they are cold-blooded,” said Lauren Albrittain, stranding coordinator for the institute. “Their body temperature drops, they’re not able to maintain their full function, so they end up floating and drifting to shore. If they remain cold-stunned for too long, they can suffer injuries or even organ failure.”

Local organizations responded quickly as temperatures plunged, rescuing 600 cold-stunned turtles in the Florida Panhandle — the most they have ever handled at once. Additional cases were reported across the state, with more than 200 turtles rescued in Central Florida and Tampa Bay, areas that rarely see cold stun events.

“This is definitely the largest that Gulf Specimen Marine Lab has ever dealt with,” said rehab coordinator Hunter Eichler. “We’ve never seen numbers like this.”

After days of rehabilitation, nearly 200 of the turtles were cleared for release on Wednesday. Workers and volunteers carried the animals one by one back to the water as spectators lined the beach to watch.

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“It’s great to see them release 200 amazing,” said spectator Judy Lucas.

Alex Pruitt, another onlooker, said it was unlike anything he had seen before. “I’ve never seen this many turtles in my whole life. Pretty great experience.”

Rescuers warmed the turtles in tanks, tagged and measured them, and monitored their recovery before returning them to the Gulf. Officials say the rehabilitation process for this group took less than two weeks.

Wildlife officials remind anyone who encounters a cold-stunned turtle to report it to local or state authorities.